St. Clair County Sheriff Scott Keeler said an investigation of a missing man from rural Appleton City is continuing. On Saturday evening, Oct. 25, Dale Miller, 78, Appleton City, wandered into the woods near his home on NW 400 Road and did not return. Miller had his black German shepherd dog, Lady, with him when he went missing. Family, friends and numerous volunteers joined in the search on Sunday. The sheriff said after an extensive ground check of the property and the surrounding acres where Miller was last seen, the area was cleared on Monday to allow the dogs from Missouri Search and Rescue to search. Bloodhounds from a volunteer group searched the area on Wednesday.
“All of the searches have resulted with no additional clues or signs of Mr. Miller or his dog,” said Sheriff Keeler. “At this point the intensive search has concluded and the investigation is ongoing with deputies following up on any leads that may come in. I want to thank all those that have donated their time and energy in the search effort.”
Miller is a white male 5’ 10”, 158 lbs., gray hair, blue eyes and wears glasses. He was last seen wearing a hunter orange baseball cap, blue shirt, blue jeans and boots. Miller is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and has a fractured vertebra. He walks hunched forward, shuffles his feet and his speech is whispered and mumbled. Miller has missed several doses of his medication since he went missing. He may have an altered mental status and motor skills.
Agencies assisting in the search included the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri State Highway Patrol, American Red Cross, St. Clair County Rescue, Missouri Search and Rescue, and firefighters from Appleton City, Lowry City, Sac Osage, Taberviille, Rockville, Collins, and Iconium.
Those with any information related to the case are urged to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office, 417-646-2565.
